C. David Powers

A man who lived life to the fullest each day, C. David Powers was a blessing to those around him. Although he could be a bit stubborn at times, he was also the sort of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was a devoted husband and father, but Dave really flourished as a grandfather and it was easy to see that his granddaughters were the apple of his eye. Never one to worry about building wealth or accumulating possessions, he focused his days on giving of his time in whatever way was needed. Dave was a tinkerer who was passionate about cars and working on various home improvement projects whether his or someone else’s. Life will never be the same without him here, but his memory will remain a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to know and love him.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of the nation were focused overseas as WWII continued to envelop much of Europe. With the war’s end in 1945, we were adjusting to being a nation at peace once again. Rationing became a thing of the past, and manufacturing was no longer focused on supporting the war effort. It was during this transitional time that a young couple from Southwestern Michigan was pleased to announce the birth of their son on August 17, 1947, in Vicksburg, Michigan. Claude David was the second of eight children born to his parents, Arthur and Martha (Delbridge) Powers, Sr., and he was raised in the family home in Oshtemo alongside his siblings, Donald, Arthur “Skip,” Martha Ann, Lester, Harry, Duane, and Barb. David, as he was often known, was a student at local schools including Portage Northern High School where he was actively involved in sports. He played baseball and enjoyed swimming, but his sport of choice was gymnastics as he excelled on the rings and floor exercises. After graduating from high school Dave enlisted in the Army and served from 1967 to 1970 during which time he was stationed in Ethiopia.

Life was forever changed for Dave as a young man when he was introduced to a young woman named Sharon Roe, and dating was a natural fit for them as their families were close friends. She was attracted to his faith and strong work ethic. After falling in love, the sweethearts were married on October 11, 1969, and together they raised two children, Lisa and Michael. As a father Dave was an important part of his children’s lives, and he enjoyed being with them as often as he could. He liked going for bike rides and also loved playing catch with his son, Michael. Dave also enjoyed going for car rides with his family. He loved many foods but his favorite was chocolate. His family always knew what to get him for a gift - anything chocolate.

After being discharged from the United States Army and returning to civilian life, Dave took a job at the Shakespeare Company before going to work as a firefighter for the City of Portage. Dave eventually went to Kellogg Community College, graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science. Dave spent a total of 32 years with the fire department before retiring in 2009.

As his family and friends can attest, Dave was passionate about cars. He was a member of the International Ford Retractable Car Club and had two old cars including a 1959 Ford Skyliner and a 1928 Chevy four door. Dave especially loved traveling with his cars and friends from the club as he attended their annual convention, which was held in a different location every year. In addition to tinkering with his old cars, he also enjoyed taking care of various home improvements. Over the years Dave built porches, remodeled bathrooms, and even built a spiral staircase. A sports lover, he loved playing third base on the firefighters' slow pitch softball team, and he also enjoyed fishing and golfing. A huge fan of classic movies, Dave could often be found watching things like James Bond films, Star Trek, Mission Impossible, and The Three Stooges. In addition, he was a Final Destination lover.

In as much as he enjoyed spending time with the things he enjoyed, there was nothing Dave loved more than sharing good times with the ones who meant the most. He had an amazing singing voice. Dave’s children loved riding in the car with him listening to him singing along with the radio. In fact, his daughter always thought that he could have had a successful career in music. Dave did sing in a quartet and in numerous church choirs during his lifetime. At times a kid at heart himself, Dave was known to play Atari games with his children. His grandchildren were his hobby as he loved being with them whenever he could. Dave was frequently there to cheer on his grandchildren at their various school and sporting events. He was amazing in the kitchen - so much so that his fellow firefighters called him “Chef Boy-R-Dave” for the tasty meals he cooked when on duty.

Although he had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis he insisted on attending the International Ford Retractable Convention in Collinsville, Illinois, while down there he ended up hospitalized and was transported back to Michigan, and he died a short time later.

Although he was quieter by nature Dave Powers was a friendly guy who could talk to anyone after he warmed up a bit. He was passionate about cars and enjoyed things like cooking, doing home improvements, and singing, but nothing was better than being surrounded by his loved ones, especially his grandchildren. Dave was giving of his time, but more importantly of his unconditional love. Taken from his loved ones too soon, he will never be forgotten.

C. David Powers, of Portage, died July 26, 2014, at Borgess Medical Center. Dave’s family includes his wife Sharon; children, Lisa (Garett) Brown and Michael (Rebecca) Powers; granddaughters, Heather (Ryan) Brown-Morris, Kaylee & Brittany Brown, Marina Davidson, Emily & Kaya Powers; brothers, Lester, Harry & Duane Powers; and sister, Barb (Dan) Barnhardt as well as many other relatives. David was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald and Arthur “Skip” Powers Jr.; and his sister, Martha Ann Miller. Visit with his family on Wednesday, July 30th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600) where a funeral will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Please visit Dave’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guest book. Memorial donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.